Remote control for space and wired radio systems



Jan. 17, 1933. TRQGNER 1,894,646

REMOTE CONTROL FOR SPACE AND WIRED RADIO SYSTEMS Filed June 5, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 E :I :5 l zit 6 SPACE RADIO AUDIO TUNING DETECTOR FREQUENCY jj 3f SYSTEM AMPLIFIER II: REMOTE 7 E CONTROL v UNT WIRED RADIO FILTER SYDItM Q I J E :I. E E

INVENTOR Arthur M. TrugnEI' ATTORNEY Jan. 17, 1933. A, TROGNER 1,894,646

REMOTE CONTROL FOR SPACE AND WIRED RADIO SYSTEMS Filed June 3, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 lNVENTOR Arthur M. TI'ngIlEI' ATTORNEY Jan. 17, 1933. TROGNER 1,894,646

REMOTE CONTROL FOR SPACE AND WIRED RADIO SYSTEMS Filed June 3, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR ATTORNEY 1933. A. M. TROGNER 1,394,646

REMOTE CONTROL FOR SPACE AND WIRED RADIO SYSTEMS Filed June 3. 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR Argmr M. Trugmar V ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 17, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ARTHUR M. TROGNER, OF MAPLEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO WIRED RADIO, INC., OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE REMOTE CONTROL FOR SPACE AND WIRED RADIO SYSTEMS Application filed June 3,

My invention pertains in general to radio receiving systems and specifically relates to a remotely controlled radio receiving system for selectively receiving wired radio signals and space radio signals.

One of the objects of my invention cons sts in producing a radio receiving system WlllCll can be controlled from a distance for selective reception of wired radio or space radio signals.

A. further object comprises providing a radio receiving system for receiving wired radio and space radio signals in which space radio tuning circuits can be continuously varied from a distance in predetermined steps.

A further object comprises providing a radio receiving organization for receiving either wired radio or spaced radio signals in which remote control means are provided for rendering the organization effective toreceive either wired radio or space radio signals and for controlling the tuning circuits for either space radio or wired radio reception.

I accomplish the above desirable objects in a novel remote control system for receiving space radio and wired radio signals in which a remotely controlled wired radio filter and a remotely controlled space radio tuning system can be selectively connected to a detector and audio frequency amplifying system by a remotely controlled electromagnetic adapter associated with the detector tube.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification and in which like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout:

Fig. l is a schematic represenation of one embodiment of the remote control system of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the control panel employed in my remote control system;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the controlling unit employed in my remote control'system Fig. 4: is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 44 of Fig. 3

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken along'the line 5-5 of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic representation in detail of the remote control system schematically depicted in Fig. 1.

My invention contemplates providing a remotely controlled space radio tuning system and a remotely controlled wired radio filter system, both of which are connected to a common detector and audio frequency amplifier. The circuit constants of the space radio tuning system are adapted to be varied by small increments in order that the space radio tuning system can be made responsive to signals at a great many different frequencies, such as are transmitted by the. multiplicity of space radio broadcast stations now extent. The circuit constants of the wired radio filter 8 system are adapted to be varied by predetermined steps inasmuch as it is desirable to make the wired radio filter system responsive to the several carrier frequency programs which are transmitted at discrete carrier frequencies. The detector system of my remotely controlled radio receiving system is provided with switching means whereby either the space radio tuning system or the wired radio filter system can be connected to the detector for demodulation of the high frequency signaling energy. The output of this detector is directed into an audio frequency amplifier and thence to a translating device for reproduction of either the space radio or wired radio programs.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the space radio tuning system 1 is connected to an antenna 2 and ground 3. The output of the space radio tuning system is directed to a detector at which is connected to the audio frequency amplifier 5 and translating device or loud speaker 6. The wired radio filter system 7 is connected to power lines 8 for the reception of wired radio signals. The output of the wired radio filter system 7 is di rected to the input of the detector 4. A remote control unit 9 has connections to the space radio tuning system 1, the detector 4:, and the wired radio filter system 7 Other connections are provided to the power lines 8 for deriving operating energy to drive the remote control apparatus.

Referring to Fig. 2, the remote control unit 9 comprises a housing having keys 10, 11, 12, 100

and 13 extending through a front panel 15 and provided with suitable push-buttons des ignated SE, A, B, and C respectively. A dial 14 is provided on the panel 15 of the remote control unit 9 directly below the keys 10, 11, 12, and 13. An index 25 is positioned above the dial 14. The dial 14 is secured to a spindle which is rotatably mounted through the panel 15 and rigidly connected with an insulating disk 16 parallel with the dial 14. (See Fig. 3.) Two semi-circular contact sectors 17 and 18 are provided on opposite sides of the disk 16 as shown in Fig. 4. These sectors are displaced from each other by a distance indicated as d in Fig. 4.

Referring to Fig. 3, a pair of synchronous motors 19 and 20 are mounted within'the control unit housing 9 and have a common armature shaft 21 disposed along the axis of the disk 16. The motor 19 is adapted to rotate the armature shaft 21 in a clockwise direction, while the motor 20 is adapted to rotate the armature shaft 21 in a counter-clockwise direction. An insulating bushing 22 is provided on the end of the armature shaft 21 and supports a wiping contact 23. As the shaft 21 is rotated, the wiping contact 23 will engage with one of the contact sectors 17 or 18. When the wiping contact 23 is in the space (1 between the sectors 17 and 18, as indicated by the dotted line position in Fig. 4, there will be no electrical connection between the contact 23 and the contacts 17 and 18. According to my invention, the dial 14 may be manually rotated to any desired position, while the motors 19 and 20 rotate the wiping contact 23 to follow the movement of the dial in a manner more fully explained hereinafter.

The key 10 includes a push rod 26 which is slidably mounted through the panel 15 and transverse insulating bars 27 and 28. The transverse insulating bars 27 and 28 are mounted between two end supports 29 and 30 perpendicularly secured to the panel 15. Another transverse bar 31 is positioned between the end supports 29 and 30 and is provided with an aperture through which a reduced portion of push-rod 26 can slide. The push-rod 26 is provided with a flange 32 and a helical compression spring interposed between the flange 32 and the bar 31. Three spring contacts 34, 35, and 36 are secured to the push-rod 26 by ferrules displaced from each other but positioned between the bars 27 and 28. Each of the spring contacts 34, 35, and 36 are adapted to engage with pairs of contact terminal 37, 38, and 39 positioned upon the bars 27 and 28, as shown.

The key 11 includes a push-rod 26 having contacts similar in all respects to key 10 with the exception that the spring contact 35 and the contact pin 38 are omitted. The keys 12 and 13 are connected to push-rods 26 and are similar, in construction, to key 11.

An interlock bar 41 is slidably positioned between the end supports 29 and 30. The bar 41 is provided with four notched apertures 42 through which the push-rods 26 extend. The push-rods 26 each. have a wedged-shaped toothed projection 43 which is adapted to engage with the notched portions 42 of the bar 41. A spring 44 is provided upon the end support 30 for exerting a lateral pressure against the bar 41 in the direction of the arrow.

In a normal position, before being depressed, all of the push-rods 26 of the keys 10, 11, 12, and 13 will be in a. position such that the contact springs 34 will complete electrical circuits between the contact pairs 37 associated with each push-rod. When one of the push-rods is depressed into a position such as that of key 10 in Fig. 5, the toothed projection 43 will engage with the bar 41 and thereby be retained in a depressed position. In such a position the spring contact 35 completes an electrical circuit between the contact pair 38, while the spring contact 36 completes an electrical circuit between the contact pair 39. Depression of another push-rod 26, of key 11, will bring about the release of the toothed projection 43 of key 10 from the interlock bar 41 inasmuch as the wedged-shaped formation of the toothed projections 43 cause the bar 41 to be laterally displaced as the pushrods are depressed. Consequently, it will be obvious that the depression of any one of the push-rods will release any one of the other previously depressed keys. Therefore, only one key will be in a lower contacting position at a time.

Consideration will now be given to the elecin parallel with the inductanees 54 and 55 and comprise the high frequency tuning circuits of the space radio tuning system 1. These circuits are associated with space discharge amplifier tubes 56 and 57.

The motors 19, 20,50, and 51 have a common connection to one of the power lines 8. The other power line 8 has a connection through contact spring 35 to the wiping contact 23 which is adapted to engage with either of contacts 17 or 18. The contact 17 completes the circuit to motors 19 and 50, while the contact sector 1.8 completes the circuit to motors 20 and 51. When the key 10 is in a depressed position, the contact spring 35 will complete the circuit to the wiping contact 23 whereby thermotors 51. and :finthetuningrsystem 1 can ghe remotely controlled fromsthe, control unit 9.-. The wipingwcontactj 23; is normally in" the 'space d between, the contact sectors 17and 18, as shown in Fig-.4. In such a. position,i there 7 will be no current flowing to any of the motors. When the dialltisrotated tosome desiredposition; the disk--16-will be correspondingly. rotated whereby one. of the contact sectorsl7 orl8wi11 be moved into engagement with the wiping contact 23, dependingzuponthe direction: of rotation-of the dial 14. Forexample; if ,the:contact sector 17 is'rotated intoyengagement with the wiping contact-:23; the motors19 and50 will be energized from the-alternating current power lines 8-so as to" rotate in synchronism-with each other. lVhenthe motor 19 rotates the wiping contact-23 into theposition-d the circnit to, both of the 'motors19- and 50 will be broken and the miotors will come to rest. Attire-same time, the motor 50 will have rotated the. condensers 52. and 53 to the desired position as indicated by: the dial 14. The d-ial l4rmay befurther moved to any other desired position in either direction for corresponds inglymoving the variable condensers 52 and 53 by. small increments, to effect the tuning of the tuning system .1 to any desired broadcast frequency;

Av potentiometer; resistance 7 0, in the wired radio filter system .7, is, coupled to the power lines 8 through condensers 71 for deriving the carrier frequency: energy transmitted over the power lines 8.. An auto-transformer 72 is provided having a connection through an adjustable contactto the potentiometer 70. A connection is, also provided from potentiometer 71 to-ground 7 3. The auto-transformer 72 hastapped connections to contact terminals 74 of three different switches 75, 7 6, and 77. These-switches are provided with other contacts 7 8and79 allfofwhichare radially disposed-aboutrotor contacts 80.- A pair; of elec tromagnets 8,1 and 82,areprovidedwitheach of the switches 7 5", 7 6, and 77. When the elec- I tromagnet 81 in any one of the switches 75, 7 6,

or77, is energized=, the rotor'contact of that switch; will be moved intoposition; to simultaneously engage the contacts 74,78, 79. When the'electromagnet 82 is energized the rotor contact 80 will be moved. to a position out of engagement with the rdially disposed contact .74, 78,.and79.

An inductance 83, electromagnetically coupled to an inductance84, is connectedto capacitances 90, 91,,and 92 of related values. The inductance 84 base connect-ion tocontact 7 9 andthence toground; The inductance 85, electromagnetically coupled to. inductance 86, is connected to-capacitances 93; 94, and of related values. The inductance 86 hasa connection to another 'contact 79 and: thence to ground. The inductance 87, electromagnetically; coupled to inductance 88', is connected to capacitances 96, 97, and 98, of related values, while vtheinductance 88 is connected to a terminating impedance 99 of the proper value and thence to ground. The inductance 84 is alsoconnected to inductance 85, and inductance 86is also connected to the inductance 87. Theinductance 88 has a connection to capacitances 100, 101, and 102 of related values.

lVhen the switch 75 is closed, the capacitances connected thereto are rendered effective in circuit with the inducta-nces of the filter system whereby the filter system as a whole becomes responsive to a particular band of carrier frequencies. The switches 76 and 77 each can be similarly closed for rendering'the filter system as a whole responsive to other predetermined bands of carrier frequencies. Such a switching arrangement for a band-pass filter system is described in detail in my co-pending application, Serial Number 540,035, filed May 26, 1931. A similar filter system in conjunction with key controlled elcctromagnets is described in detail in my co-pending application, Serial Number 515,430, filed February 13, 1931.

The output connection of the selective filter system 7 from the inductance 88 is directed through a grid leak and condenser 68 to a switch contact 63. The other output connection of the filter system 7 from the terminating impedance 99 is connected to the cathodeof the space discharge detector tube 59. A pivoted contacting armature 62 is postionedbetween electromagnets 64 and 65 for engagement with either of the contacts 61 or 63 for connecting the space discharge detector tube 59 totlie space radio tuning system or to the wired radio filter system 7. hen the key 10 is in a depressed position the contact 36 thereof will complete a circuit from the power lines 8 to the electromagnet 64 thereby causing the armature 62 to engage contact 61 to complete a circuit from the space radio tuning system 1 to the space discharge detector tube 59. When the key 10 is in an upper contacting position, the spring contact 34 will complete a circuit from the power lines 8 to the electromagnet 65 whereby the armature 62 will be moved into engagement with contact 63 to complete a circuit from the wired I radio filter system 7 to the space discharge dethe key 12 is in an upper contactin position.

while the spring contact 36 has connections 81 when the rey 12 is in a lower contacting position. The spring contact 34 of key 13 has connections for completing a circuit to electromagnet 82 of switch 77 when the key 13 is in an upper contacting position, while the spring contact 36 has connections for completing acircuit to electromagnet S1 of switch 77 when the key 13 i in a lower contacting osition.

When it is desired to remotely control the space radio tuning system 1 for reception of space radio signals over translating device 67, the key 10, designated SR is depressed thereby rendering the dial 14 etlective for controlling the condensers 52 and 53, through the agency of the intermediate motors, and simultaneously energizing electromagnet 64rto complete a circuit from the space radio tuning system 1 to the space discharge detector tube 59. lVhen such circuit conditions prevail the dial 14 can be rotatec to y .esired position by small incr cots whereby the motors 51 and 50 will operate to control the variable condensers an d. for rendering the space radio tuning system re ponsive to any desired space radio broadcast frequencies as indicated by the dial 14.

When it is desired to change over from space radio reception. to wired radio reception, and to remotely control the wired radio filter system 7, any one of the l h a 11, 12, or 13 may be depressed depending upon which wired radio program channel is desired. That is, each of the keys 11, 12. and 13, designated A, B, C, cor1x,.: ,)ond to three discrete carrier frequencies which transmit three different programs over the power lines 8. For example. if key 11 is depressed, the mechanical interlock bar 41 automatically releases the depressed key 10 whereby the circuit to wiping contact is broken and a circuit established to electromagnet 65 for moving hea nature to contact 63 to connect the wired radio filter system 7 to the space dis barge detector tube 59. Simultaneously, the key 11 establishes a connection through spring contact 38 to electro magnet 81 of switch 75 thereby moving the rotor contact 80 into engagement with the 'contact terminals 7 and Tn l a such a position the switcl'i T5 renders the filter system 7 responsive to a certain ba d of frequencies corresponding to a predetermined wired radio program channel. W'hen it is desired to remotely select dilicrcnt wired radio program chai of the keys in the remote control. 9 be depressed. For example, kc may dopressed whereby the me 'tnical interlock bar 41 will cause the previou y dem'esscd key 11 to be released thereby brea the circuit to electromagnet 81 and CO1 ting a circuit to electromagnet 82 for moving the rotor contact 80 of switch 75 into an open position. Simulaneouly, the contact spring 36 of key 13, now depressed, will establish a circuit to eleetromagnet 81 of switch 7 7 for moving the rotor contact 80 thereof into a contacting position to render the filter system 7 responsive to another predetermined carrier frequency band and a-correspondingly different program channel.

It will now be apparent that my invention provides a unified remote control system for controlling a radio receiving system from a distance for the selective reception of wired radio and space radio signals. It will be seen that any one of the keys 11, 12, and 13 can be depressed as'desired for the reception of different wired radio program channels. It is, of course, to be understood that I am not to be limited to the exact number of keys shown. hen it is desired to operate for the reception ofspace radio signals the key 10 can be depressed whereby the radio system, as a whole, is automatically rendered effective for the reception of space radio signals. Although I have shown a preferred embodiment of my remote control system of my invention it will, of course, be understood that changes can be made therein Without departing from the intended scope of my invention. 1 do not, therefore, desire to limit myself to the foregoing except insofar'as may be pointed out in the appended claims.

iVhat I claim as new'and original and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A remote control systemcomprising, a tuning system connected to a space radio energy collecting system, motors for varying the values of the circuit constants of said tuning system, a selective filter system connected to wire lines carrying high frequency signaling energy, a plurality of switches in said filter system, a plurality of electromagnets for actuating said switches, a source of electrical energy, a plurality of depressible keys each of which is adapted to complete a circuit from said source of electrical energy to one of said electromagnets for actuating a selected one of'said switches, a demodulation circuit, a switch for connecting said demodulation circuit to said space radio tuning system or to said selective filter system, electromagnetic means for actuating said switch, a .depressible key for controlling said electromagnetic means, and means operable by the depression of any one of said keys for releasing any previously depressed 'key.

2. A remote control system comprising, a tuning system connected to a space radio energy collecting system, motors for varying the values ot the circuit constants of said tuning system, a rotatable contact for selectively engaging with contacts respectively connected to said motors, a selective filter system connected to wire lines carrying high frequency signaling energy, a plurality of switches in said filter system, a plurality of electromagnets for actuating said switches, a source of electrical energy, a plurality of depressible keys each of which is adapted to complete a circuit from said source of electrical energy to one of said electromagnets for actuating a selected one of said switches, a space discharge detector tube, a switch for connecting said detector tube to said space radio tuning system or to said selective filter system, electromagnetic means for actuating said switch, a depressible key for controlling said electromagnetic means and for controlling the circuit to said rotatable contact, and means operable by the depression of any one of said keys for releasing any previously depressed key.

3. A remote control system comprising, a high frequency current reception circuit having variable circuit constants, motors for varying the values of said circuit constants, a second high frequency current reception circuit having a plurality of predetermined circuit constants, switches for rendering said circuit constants selectively efiective in said second reception circuit, electromagnets for actuating said switches, a source of electrical energy, manually operated means for determining the action of said motors to control said first mentioned reception circuit, a utilization circuit, switching means for connecting said utilization circuit effectively in circuit with either of said reception circuits, a plurality of depressible keys, one of said keys controlling said switching means for conmeeting said utilization circuit to either of said reception circuits and for rendering said motors effectively in circuit with said source of electrical energy for controlling said first mentioned reception circuit, and the others of said keys having connections for indi vidually establishing circuits from said source of electrical energy to said electromagnets for causing the operation of said switches to render said second mentioned reception circuit receptive to currents at various high frequencies depending upon the selection of the values of the predetermined circuit constants thereof, and means operated by the depression of any one of said keys for releasing any previously depressed key.

4. A remote control system comprising a high frequency current reception circuit having variable circuit constants, motors for varying the values of said circuit constants, a selector for selectively establishing circuits with said motors, a second high frequency current reception circuit having a plurality of predetermined circuit constants, switches for rendering said circuit constants selectively effective in said second reception circuit, electromagnets for actuating said switches, a source of electrical energy, a utilization circuit, switching means for connecting said utilization circuit efiectively in circuit with either of said reception circuits,

electromagnetic means for operating said switching means, manually operated means for controlling the electromagnetic means of said switching means for connecting said utilization circuit to either of said reception circuits, and a plurality of depressible keys having connections for individually establishing circuits from said source of electrical energy to said electromagnets for causing the operation of said switches to render said second mentioned reception circuit receptive to currents at various high frequencies depending upon the selection of values of the predetermined circuit constants thereof, and means operated by the depression of any one of said keys for affecting the operation of said last mentioned means to insure the connection of said utilization circuit to said second mentioned reception circuit when any one of said keys is depressed.

5. A remote control system comprising, a high requency current reception circuit having variable circuit constants, motors for varying the values of said circuit constants, contacts respectively connected with said motors, a rotatable contact for selectively engaging with said contacts, other motors for moving said rotatable contact, said other motors being adapted to move respectively in unison with said first mentioned motors, said contacts being manually movable with re spect to said rotatable contact for determining the rotation of said first mentioned motors, a second high frequency current reception circuit having a plurality of predetermined circuit constants, switches for rendering said circuit constants selectively effective in said second reception circuit, electromagnets for actuating said switches, a source of electrical energy, a plurality of depressible keys each of which is adapted to complete a circuit from said source of electrical energy to one of said electromagnets for actuatin a selected one of said switches, a utilization circuit, a switch for connecting said utilization circuit to either of said reception circuits, electromagnetic means for actuating said switch, a further depressible key for controlling said electromagnetic means and for controlling the circuit to said rotatable contact, and means operable by the depression of any one of all of said keys for releasing any previously depressed key.

ARTHUR M. TROGNER. 

